OCEAN Grove\u2019s Layla Moody\u200e is leading a campaign to get duck warning signs installed on Grubb Road.
\nMs Moody, a vet nurse who runs her own wildlife shelter from home, has contacted VicRoads with her concerns about an increasing number of ducks who live on the lake crossing the road in search of food and breeding.
\n\u201cAt first I saw a duck flattened on the road\u2026 living here in Oakdene I\u2019m on Grubb Road a lot, but I always see ducks either side of the road and I think that\u2019s a bit sad.
\n\u201cAnd then literally I had one (duck) come into care after being hit by a car on Grubb Road, and since then I\u2019ve seen several ducks on the road with their ducklings.\u201d
\nShe said VicRoads told her that they would not install signs because ducks were not causing a \u201chuman hazard\u201d.
\n\u201cI think this is ridiculous as they shouldn’t be waiting for someone to crash, or get killed before it becomes a human hazard.
\n\u201cWe are the ones building the estates and pushing them out of their homes, we are filling in their lakes, and this means they will be moving onto the roads more often, and that\u2019s why we are seeing it more now.
\n\u201cWe need to adapt to it and make people aware, and if people are aware and looking, there is less chance of an animal getting killed and accidents happening.
\n\u201cAnd the more protection we have out there for these guys, the less chance they will need to come into care.\u201d
\nMs Moody said she would like to see duck warning signs installed at the start of Grubb Road, when motorists came off the roundabout from Bellarine Highway, and also at the other end, just passed the roundabout near The Mex.
\n\u201cEven if it\u2019s just a wildlife sign, at least people will be aware of it then\u2026 at the moment, people are just whizzing up Grubb Road.\u201d
\nRegional Roads Victoria Regional Director (South West) Emma Miller-Olsen said making sure roads were safe for everyone was something it took seriously – that included looking out for local wildlife.
\n\u201cIn some cases warning signage can work well but we know driver behaviour and education are also important to help increase safety on our roads,\u201d Ms Miller-Olsen said.
\n\u201cWe will continue to monitor wildlife activity to determine if additional signage is appropriate.
\n\u201cIn the meantime spring is here, so it\u2019s a timely reminder for drivers to take care – be aware of native animals that may be on the move at any time of day, slow down and keep plenty of space between you and the car in front.\u201d
\nMs Moody said she is presently caring for nine ducks, a tawny frogmouth, sparrow hawk, two ringtail possum joeys, squirrel glider, plus her own pet cat and frogs.
\n\u201cI also often get penguins, which is why my lawn is destroyed\u2026 we had them over winter and with all the rain and their flat feet, they killed my grass!
\n\u201cI get quite a lot of penguins because we are on the coast, and most penguins we get are from Phillip Island.\u201d
\nIf you would like to support wildlife warning signs being installed on Grubb Road, email enquiries@roads.vic.gov.au with the reference no: 501628717.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
OCEAN Grove\u2019s Layla Moody\u200e is leading a campaign to get duck warning signs installed on Grubb Road. Ms Moody, a vet nurse who runs her own wildlife shelter from home, has contacted VicRoads with her concerns about an increasing number of ducks who live on the lake crossing the road in search of food and […]<\/p>\n